BBC axes another major soap after 23 years

Scottish soap River City has been axed by the BBC after 23 years.

The show, which follows the locals of fictional Glaswegian district of Shieldinch, will come to an end in Autumn 2026.

On social media, a statement said: ‘After over 20 years telling the stories of the characters in Shieldinch, we’re sorry to bring you the sad news that River City will come to an end in Sept 2026.

‘We’re thankful to our amazing viewers, fans, cast, crew, writers & producers who are all a valued part of the community.

‘Looking ahead, the BBC will increase investment in other major drama productions set across Scotland.

‘We’ll still be bringing you all the drama from River City and will be here with all the best moments and news until we plan our Shieldinch send-off.

‘Thank you for being part of the show, and we hope you’ll continue to share your favourite moments and characters with us until then.

Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland said: ‘River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.

‘But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.

‘Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.’

The soap, which airs on BBC One Scotland and had a brief run throughout the rest of the UK, will be replaced by three separate dramas that continue to champion the country’s on and off screen talent.

Counsels, Grams and The Young Team have been commissioned by the broadcaster, alongside a third series of series Granite Harbour that will be filmed in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months.

Despite the axing, the BBC has said that their investment in new programmes will total over £95m by 2028.

They have also said that they’ll work with industry partners on helping to train new talent across Scotland, building on a successful framework already put in place with River City.

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland said: ‘We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision. 

‘I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present.

‘For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go.

‘The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities.

‘However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this. Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond.

‘We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.’

The news comes following Neighbours’ axing after 40 years on air, and Hollyoaks’ decision to cut back from five to three, 20 minute instalments last year.

BBC medical dramas Holby City and Doctors have also both aired their final episodes in recent years.

Plans are underway at the soap’s studios in Dumbarton – which is leased until September next year – to ensure River City goes out with a bang.

River City airs Mondays and Wednesdays at 10pm on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

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